2009 review - part 1

Galway in January was fun. I finished 20th in the main event, which was my first ever cash in the city - busting a perceived jinx. I didn't have to wait long for my second, as that night I won the Simon charity event. This was a lovely event to win for me personally, as my bro Pat Storan had won it the year before and the tournament's founder Parky, is simply one of my favourite people.

The two other tournaments that month were the CPT grand final in Clonmel and the Lakes of Killarney Festival. I managed another minor cash in Clonmel, €1,750 for 15th, and picked up an additional €3,700 for 10% of Flipper, who put in an excellent performance to win it.

I never thought I'd see a trophy bigger than Flipper's ego, so it's only fitting that he should be the one to win it. No cash in Kerry, but I managed to nick a few quid when I backed the eventual winner Derek Murray at 14/1, two tables out.

February was the Deepstack with a couple of beats in the main event and a monkey side. cracked by on day two of the main event and four-flushed just shy of the final table in the side.

March was a nothing month with no decent games, a nice little ante post bet on Zaynar at 33/1 for the Triumph Hurdle made it a profitable one though, thanks again for that one Ciaran.

April was my fourth Irish Open and my shortest, going out slow playing , while Jamie from Limerick was doing likewise with . I played well at a difficult table in the €1,500 side but exited early enough also. I still had a great weekend anyway, as it's a deadly social occasion and I even managed to get a few rounds of golf in, where a lasting healthy golf rivalry with a mister Paul Spillane was formed.

The weekend was semi saved financially by the 10% I had of my then boss and good mate, Paul Smallwood, who put in a top performance coming 5th in the €1,500 game.


Part 2 of Nicky's review of 2009.